Who do you want to see as the next head coach of the Vikings? We'll discuss Tuesday at 1 p.m. on 1500ESPNLIVE with Phil Mackey & Derek Wetmore.

We'll get started in a minute here, so feel free to line up your questions and we'll get to as many as we can this week.

by Derek Wetmore1/14/2014 7:00:48 PM

A little note before we get started: Mackey will be joining at 1:30, so you're stuck with me until that time. If you've got a question specifically for him, throw his name in and I'll know to save it until he gets here.

by Derek Wetmore1/14/2014 7:03:40 PM

Whats your opinion on Mike Zimmer? Is he the RIGHT guy?

by Ben1/14/2014 7:03:51 PM

Heavy hitter right off the bat

by Derek Wetmore1/14/2014 7:04:00 PM

This is going to sound like a cop-out but let me explain before I catch heat: It's impossible for me to know if Mike Zimmer is the right guy for the job.

by Derek Wetmore1/14/2014 7:04:37 PM

I can look at his resume, as you can, and I think we'll agree he's had some success in the NFL. But a huge part of the equation comes down to fit as a head coach -- leadership, decisiveness, etc. -- that I cannot know without being around him more often or sitting in on the interviews.

by Derek Wetmore1/14/2014 7:05:28 PM

Which Head Coaching candidate would be the best/easiest to cover for reporters?

by NDMueller1/14/2014 7:05:53 PM

That's a good question but I don't know -- I haven't covered any of them. Les Frazier was respectful and generous with his time. But it doesn't have to be a downgrade there.

by Derek Wetmore1/14/2014 7:06:33 PM

If Zimmer isn't hired today does it mean there is a good chance other will get a second interview(Roman, Bowles)?

by Judd Zulgad's Hoodie1/14/2014 7:06:43 PM

Not necessarily. But as Judd wrote yesterday for 1500ESPN.com, they can afford to be patient now if they want to. That's especially true today.

Derek, I was listening to Judd on air today and he was talking about drafting defense if you don't think the right QB is there, while I agree with Judd, the only thing that concerns me about that is looking at the college QB's right now that may enter the draft next year i dont see an answer there, also what are odds of drafting as high as we are this year, next year so you may have to give up more picks to move up next year. So do you feel that drafting defense is the way to go, or do you shoot for a QB?

Follow that link and at the very bottom of the page, click on Hour 3. We broke down the possibility of passing on a QB.

by Derek Wetmore1/14/2014 7:09:55 PM

The short summary: If you don't get one of the first 3 QBs off the board, prioritizing defense might be wise.

by Derek Wetmore1/14/2014 7:10:21 PM

But the whole hour is pretty funny so it's worth a listen ;-)

by Derek Wetmore1/14/2014 7:10:33 PM

Will the Vikings have the patience to wait on Roman ?

by jargomcfargo1/14/2014 7:10:49 PM

I don't know but I know this much: They can hold off if they want to. At this point, the Vikings' head coaching job is easily the most desirable job that remains available in the NFL.

by Derek Wetmore1/14/2014 7:11:43 PM

Derek, the lack of "love" shown to Todd Bowles is baffling to me. He is highly respected among peers and players and he has succeeded where ever he's coached, not to mention he's served as an interim HC. Even though it was said his interview went well am I to assume it was simply to satisfy the Rooney Rule??

by Daniel S1/14/2014 7:12:35 PM

From what I heard it was a legit interview, but that was not first-hand information. I would be surprised if teams think they can circumvent that rule in 2014. If it goes against the spirit of the rule, one would assume the NFL would step in to correct that.

by Derek Wetmore1/14/2014 7:13:42 PM

If you are a new coach coming in to the Vikes organization, what is your take with Cassel? And do the Vikes need to commit to Cassel as THE starter entering training camp to keep him from entering FA? Maybe commit to jettisoning Ponder + Freeman?

by 88Page1/14/2014 7:13:56 PM

I don't think one would NEED to commit to any of those things. Too many variables -- draft, free agents -- for me to say at this point.

by Derek Wetmore1/14/2014 7:14:25 PM

Im rooting for a Mike Zimmer as head coach, can help our defense and the guy is a no nonsense type..just need a good offensive coordinator

by mike r.1/14/2014 7:15:04 PM

Would hiring Zimmer make it more likely to draft Defense in 1st rd?

by kevin1/14/2014 7:15:23 PM

Not necessarily

by Derek Wetmore1/14/2014 7:15:29 PM

Comes down to need and who is available when they're selecting. Far too early for me to guess on January 14.

by Derek Wetmore1/14/2014 7:15:57 PM

I just feel there is a reason he is 59 and hasnt been a HC yet.

by Ben1/14/2014 7:18:54 PM

Zimmer is 57.

by Derek Wetmore1/14/2014 7:19:02 PM

But you're not the first with that theory. I don't know how valid it is, but some have raised the concern.

by Derek Wetmore1/14/2014 7:19:18 PM

Chances Musgrave staying? Maybe QB coach?

by neo1/14/2014 7:19:23 PM

Ack.

by Derek Wetmore1/14/2014 7:19:27 PM

I don't want to handicap it until we know who the HC is. This is pure speculation but I would think it's unlikely.

by Derek Wetmore1/14/2014 7:20:16 PM

Do you agree with Judd that with only two teams left looking for coaches the Vikings should wait until next week when they can talk to other candidates a 2nd time? I agree if there is any uncertainty by the Vikes on Zimmer. But if they feel he is their guy, why wait? Get it done.

by Chad1/14/2014 7:20:36 PM

Whenever there's a situation like this I try to think about a standard business and remove sports from the discussion.

by Derek Wetmore1/14/2014 7:21:00 PM

If I were chairman or CEO of a big company and I only had to compete against 29 other companies -- an unreasonable restraint in real business -- I would look to hire someone better than what the other companies have. If I am convinced I can find that guy with more qualifications than anybody else, I'd pull the trigger.

by Derek Wetmore1/14/2014 7:22:36 PM

But if there's a limited pool of applicants all vying for the same 2 jobs, there's no rush to pounce

by Derek Wetmore1/14/2014 7:23:26 PM

tl;dr -- Yes, I agree with Judd

by Derek Wetmore1/14/2014 7:23:43 PM

I'm with Ben. The D needs help, but if there is a shot at a QB you need to take it now. Trade up to #2 and cross your fingers that it doesn't blow up in your face. If it does, at least you tried. This team will not be great if they're recycling has-beens QB's.

by Drew1/14/2014 7:23:57 PM

It would take a ransom to trade up to No. 2 in this draft

by Derek Wetmore1/14/2014 7:24:15 PM

So as far as I know, the Vikings have not interviewed a former head coach whether it be pro, college or amateur. What is your perspective on that issue?

by Aerogopher1/14/2014 7:24:25 PM

Really thought they should have looked to someone with prior experience

by Derek Wetmore1/14/2014 7:24:35 PM

But that apparently wasn't a highly sought-after qualification among Spielman's 13

by Derek Wetmore1/14/2014 7:24:57 PM

Did you see my mock list for the 13 categories? To my knowledge, Rick Spielman didn't interview any of these guys.